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Lake throws it way back for 35th anniversary with lace up CX1 / MX1, new endurance shoes, more

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Seeing as how lace up shoes are making a comeback, Lake’s new CX1 and MX1 should fit right in. Basically a modern version of the very first shoe they launched 35 years ago, the lace up options combine some retro style with fairly modern materials to create a stylish, affordable throwback. Part of the Lake Heritage collection, the shoes come in a mountain or road sole and join a few other new additions to the line up as Lake gears up for their 36th year of crafting fine cycling shoes…

Shown above is the road oriented CX1, but the MX1 mountain version varies mostly by the Hypergrip Enduro sole with Ice Lock anti-slip inserts. The CX1 instead uses a fiberglass injected nylon outsole for three bolt SPD-SL/Look cleats. Fitted with a perforated Action leather upper and lace closure, price on the shoe is kept fairly low at $130. Offered in 36-48;50 in standard and 39-48;50 E

The MX241 was introduced (and covered) from Sea Otter, but it’s a pretty important addition to Lake’s product line. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, here it is again. The story goes that sponsored athlete Sonya Looney was having a lot of shoe problems due to the shape of her foot and an area on the outside of her foot that ended up needing surgery. Before her sponsorship with Lake she was actually cutting holes in the side of her shoes to relieve the pressure, so Lake wanted to design a supremely adjustable shoe that would fit all ranges of foot shapes better than the average shoe. To do that, they divided the upper into four separate wing like sections that cinch down over a Nufoam lining. Combined wtih two IP1 Boa dials, riders like Sonya are able to really dial in their fit, especially once the heat moldable heel counter has been set.

Built with Helcor abrasion resistant leather on the outer as well as full grain leather and a carbon fiber sole with Mountain Race X rubber tread, the shoes come in two widths and full and half sizes for $350.

Designed with a similar use in mind but without the increased adjustment, the MX237 looks like a great shoe for adventure, gravel, and XC racers. The full grain leather upper uses the abrasion resistant Helcor leather in strategic spots on the toe and outer heel. Dual Boa L5 dials cinch the shoe closed, and a full carbon sole with their Mountain Race X rubber tread finish things off.

We got to try out basically the higher end version of this shoe in the MX332 while in Sedona which uses a complete Helcor leather upper and adds the heat moldable heel cup and carbon lasting board construction. I heard multiple people express their love for the rubber tread and how grippy it was on the slick rock, and without even heat molding them, the shoes were extremely comfortable. Of course at $430 for the MX332s, they should be very comfortable – but I think I found my new favorite gravel/all road shoe. Interesting note if you have incredibly wide feet, the MX332 are available up to a EEE and Lake says that is an industry first to offer the same shoe in three different lasts (standard, EE, and EEE).

Technically, the MX105 isn’t new but they haven’t done much with the shoe in the US. The enduroventure shoe uses a waxed canvas upper with Tektile synthetic panels and a waterproof membrane that surrounds the shoe including the cleat pocket for weather protection. The Vibram  Trail V outsole should provide plenty of grip, and an L6 Boa dial tightents things down.

lakecycling.com

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JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago

I really don’t understand the appeal of lace-up clipless shoes.

Kernel Flickitov
Kernel Flickitov
7 years ago
Reply to  JBikes

I really don’t understand why having options is a bad thing. Why does everybody have to fall in line to your norms?

SK
SK
7 years ago

I really don’t understand. He didn’t say anything about falling in to his norms. He just expressed his private opinion and that’s why having options is not a bad thing: everybody can choose anything he or she prefers.

blah blah blah
blah blah blah
7 years ago

soon as you say he/she can’t is the moment you can’t

Nate
Nate
7 years ago

Switched from boa to laces last year and not looking back. Came down to comfort. Boas have pressure points on the top of my feet.

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago
Reply to  Nate

I’ve never run boa, just velco with click adjusters on the top strap.

Do you miss in the saddle adjustments? Its not so much that I don’t want to stop, its just its easier to dial in my shoe fit while I am actually riding.

Nate
Nate
7 years ago
Reply to  JBikes

Good question – I worried about this but it hasn’t been an issue. I think it’s just due to the shoe fitting better in general so I’m not making adjustments. It does take longer to put on because you have to tuck the laces into the elastic band thingy.

This is the shoe I’m wearing now for two seasons. It’s the most comfortable race grade shoe I’ve ever worn. http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/cycling-shoes/dirt/empire-vr90-38.html#gid=29439

JBikes
JBikes
7 years ago
Reply to  Nate

Thanks. My feet always seem different day to day as well as during the riding (long, short, easy, hard, climbing…). Maybe one day I’ll try them as this is my major concern and its good to hear actual feedback.

Eugene Chan
7 years ago
Reply to  JBikes

I was happy with my laces, but am trying Boas right now. I pretty much never had to adjust the laces on my Giro Empire SLX, but I find that then Boa system loosens up on my Gaerne G.Stilos a little bit over time. Part of this is because the Giro shoes are softer and I can lace them up tighter from the beginning. I do appreciate being able to keep my Gaerne’s a bit looser at the end of a longer ride though.

Greg
Greg
7 years ago

Specialized offered their shoes in narrow, regular, and wide before. I think Sidi did too?

moto9
moto9
7 years ago

Ever heard the term ” keep it simple stupid”
lace up is easy.
You can find a lace just about anywhere…try that with BOA, velcro seems to wear out faster than the shoe does.
I have no issue with lace up.

Marcellus
7 years ago

Sounds interesting for sure. I am always looking forward to hear about extremely adjustable or wide shoes. Sidis are not wide enough for my feet, even in the wide option. Can’t blame them, there are just so many variations in feet that it is impossible to cover them all.

TimmS
7 years ago

If they would have made it with their carbon sole, as goes with the cx 237, I would have bought those right away…

Leo
Leo
4 years ago
Reply to  TimmS

They have carbon sole now..And not that much more $$

Nabeel
Nabeel
5 years ago

I had no problems with BOA until the laces broke. While BOA has sent me a free repair kit, i am stuck for several days unable to ride. Once the kit does arrive, i will have to undergo the complicated procedure of replacing the broken part.

WHY add complexity when laces do the job just fine? Pretty much all other sports footwear, and boxing gloves rely on laces, which are perfectly up to the job, and super-cheap and effortless to replace.

IMHO it’s just that cyclng is ripe for shiny new things that are supposed to be improvements but are just snake oil.

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